说闲话

說閒話

shuō xiánhuà

verb #19,615

Meanings

1 to gossip; to talk behind someone's back
2 to chat; to make idle talk

Characters

Examples

HSK 3

邻居总爱说闲话。

Línjū zǒng ài shuō xiánhuà.

The neighbors always love to gossip.

HSK 5

别在背后说闲话。

Bié zài bèihòu shuō xiánhuà.

Don't gossip behind people's backs.

Tips

usage

The negative sense (gossip, talk behind someone's back) is more common than the neutral sense (idle chat). Context usually makes the meaning clear.

Stroke Order

说 shuō

闲 xián

话 huà